Unexpected iPad and Apple Watch screenshot tabs appearing in App Store Connect

App Store Distribution & Marketing App Store Connect
chrisyao OP
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When submitting a new version of our iOS app in 1st Oct, we noticed that iPad and Apple Watch tabs appeared in the “Previews and Screenshots” section alongside the iPhone tab.
These tabs did not appear during our previous version submissions. Our app is intended for iPhone, and we do not need iPad or Apple Watch screenshot sections. We have not intentionally added support for these devices, and our submission process has remained the same.
Here is a screenshot showing the tabs

meanwhile our build metadata only support iphone in device family

We would appreciate clarification on three points:

  1. Why did this happen? Is it caused by a change in App Store Connect, something in our uploaded build, or another setting?
  2. What impact does this have when submitting an app? If we submit with these tabs present but leave their screenshot sections empty, could this affect approval, supported-device listings, or distribution?
  3. How can we prevent this in future submissions? Are there specific project or App Store Connect settings we should check or change?
Replies  3
Boosts 0
Views  86
Participants  4
stackpine OP

A few things worth checking, in this order.

Attach the build first. Before a build is selected, the media section can show tabs for every device family. What is enforced at submission depends on the build you attach.

Check what the build includes. In TestFlight, open the build. If a watchOS app or extension is listed (an old watch target, or a dependency that adds one), the Apple Watch tab is expected. Remove the target and upload a new build number.

Check UIDeviceFamily in the uploaded binary, not just the project setting. A plugin, framework or generated config can add iPad (2) even when TARGETED_DEVICE_FAMILY is iPhone only. Unzipping the .ipa and reading its Info.plist settles it.

On impact: if the attached build really is iPhone only with no watch app, you can leave the iPad and Watch tabs empty and still submit. If submission asks for those screenshots, the binary itself declares support for those devices, and the checks above will show why.
iTen OP

you must support ipad at a minimum but the tabs go away after submission and approval because it gives you the oppurtunity to supply images in the event you do support them.
Pokpong OP

Just to clarify the earlier answer: Apple’s screenshot requirements say an iPad screenshot is required if the app supports iPadOS; it isn’t a minimum requirement for every iPhone app. Apple Watch screenshots are required for Watch apps. So the presence of those tabs by itself doesn’t mean your uploaded build has become universal or that you need to add iPad/Watch support.

Since your build metadata says iPhone only, I’d check the archived build’s Supported Destinations / Targeted Device Family and confirm the selected build in this version is the one with that setting. If it is iPhone-only, follow App Store Connect’s validation for the iPhone screenshots and don’t add unrelated device screenshots just to fill the extra tabs. If ASC says a specific platform’s screenshot is required, check which build or Watch target is attached before submitting.

Apple’s current screenshot specifications make the iPad requirement conditional, and its Watch app setup guide covers the separate Watch metadata.